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LOS ANGELES (CBS) — A former employee of the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office was arrested Monday for allegedly falsifying documents and unlawfully lowering property values by $172 million, according to District Attorney Steve Cooley.

Scott Schenter, who worked as an appraiser from 1988 to 2011, allegedly lowered values on homes, condos and businesses in Beverly Hills, Brentwood and Pacific Palisades.

“Mr. Noguez, for his part, will remain cooperative with the District Attorney’s investigation,” said Noguez’s attorney Michael Proctor, who said his client denies any wrongdoing.

Schenter, who was arrested at his father’s residence in Beaverton, Ore., is being held on $1.5 million bail.

His arrest is part of an investigation launched last year by the D.A.’s Public Integrity Division into allegations that Noguez and several of his staff members reduced property values for wealthy clients of Ramin Salari, a tax consultant and campaign contributor to Noguez.